When the Appointment Ends Automatically
Once a personal representative files a closing statement with the court, the clock starts. One year after that filing, the appointment terminates on its own. No separate petition or court hearing is required. The same applies when the court issues an order formally closing the estate.
An appointment of a personal representative terminates as provided in section 14-3933, one year after the filing of a closing statement.
A.R.S. § 14-3610(A)This built-in expiration date is practical. It gives the personal representative a reasonable window to wrap up final details after the closing statement is on record, without leaving the appointment open indefinitely.
Resigning Before the Estate Is Closed
A personal representative who wants to step down before the estate is fully settled can resign by filing a written statement with the registrar. There is one critical condition: they must give at least fifteen days of written notice to everyone known to have an interest in the estate.
A personal representative may resign his position by filing a written statement of resignation with the registrar after he has given at least fifteen days written notice to the persons known to be interested in the estate.
A.R.S. § 14-3610(C)The resignation does not take effect immediately. It only becomes effective once a successor personal representative is appointed, qualified, and has received the estate assets. If nobody steps forward to take over within the notice period, the resignation is treated as though it was never filed. This protects the estate from being left without someone in charge.
